Otty Lake Association
Phragmites Removal - Volunteers Needed for Oct. 13 On Wednesday October 13th (rain day October 14th) we plan to remove a stand of invasive phragmites from a property on Loon’s Way. Anyone interested in helping out please contact Linda at 613-267-6001. We will probably be there for a few hours, 9-noon. Tools, utility vehicles and materials required will be provided.
Our July AGM and subsequent August board meeting resulted in some changes to the composition of our board. There is still one opening if you would like to join the team! Just contact Kirsten.
| Kirsten Brouse - President | Members at Large: |
| Keith Desjardins - Vice President | Robert Cosh |
| Jenn O'Donoghue - Treasurer | Kyla Haley |
| Linda Cuthbertson - Recording Secretary | Cathy Kari |
| Barb Hicks - Communications Secretary | Rachel Roth |
| David and Susan Murray - Membership | Anne Scotton |
| Reid Kilburn - Past President | Kevin Terrion |
Blue Green Algae BloomsAug. 23, 2021. Potentially harmful algal blooms including blue-green algae are a natural seasonal phenomenon that may appear in our lakes, rivers and ponds. Many of these blooms are relatively harmless; however, some species have the potential to produce toxins which may be harmful to people and animals.
Paddle Power 2021 -
Sat. Aug. 21 This years gathering spot was near Buck, Ruby and Clegg Islands. We counted 56 crafts and 65 participants in canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and children’s small crafts. Special thanks to drone operators Doug Jones and Cory Read, tour leaders Kit Muma and Bruce Smith, and property owners Janet and Jim Coward who welcomed videotaping from their cliffs. The group paddle was well documented as paddlers wove their way amongst the Burns Way channel islands.
Contribute Your Observations to iNaturalistDiscover and track the species that make their home in and around Otty Lake. We invite you to help us create an ongoing catalog of the wildlife for the area. This library will help us gain insight into the distribution and seasonality of the organisms in our region. It will help the scientific community through records of wildlife movements, invasive species, species at risk as well as sharing observations among friends. Visit the website or download the app.
Otty Lake Shoreline CleanupSome trash has been identified in the north end of the lake, accessible only by water. A team has been formed to gather it. But there may be more in other areas. You can help:
1. Collect trash from your area of the lake. Deliver it to 139 Settlers Lane by water or land prior to August 1st. OR
2.
Identify trash in your area. Let David Murray (613-285-9059) know where and what it is so that every effort can be made to collect it.
High Water Levels July 4, 2021. The beaver dam was cleared on July 2.
June 10, 2021. You may have noticed that the water level is higher than normal for this time of year. There is a large beaver dam in Jebbs Creek at the Rideau Ferry bridge that is restricting flow from Otty Lake. Our water quality team has been in contact with RVCA and the authorities from Lanark County who are responsible for managing this issue. We have been assured that the dam will be removed while respecting wildlife needs and regulations by early July.
New Online Registration
Complete your permit application online at dnetv.burnpermits.com or call 613-267-2596. Permits are free. If you are a tenant, permission from the property owner must be obtained.
Gypsy Moth ResourcesMany Otty Lake residents are reporting gypsy moth infestations in clusters around the lake. We have assembled some resources to help you identify, respond and hopefully manage these outbreaks.
UpTICK on Ticks and Lyme Disease in Eastern OntarioListen to the recording of June 8, 2021 webinar with Dr. Andrew Peregrine, Associate Professor at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph presented by Friends of the Napanee River and Friends of the Salmon River.
Summer Information PackagesMay 21, 2021. Your area counsellor will be making contact with you within the next month or so. This dedicated group of volunteers are available to answer your questions, collect membership dues, and share information from the Otty Lake Association. . See a map of the areas and see a list of area counsellors. These representaives will also ensure that your contact information is current and provide an Otty Lake map to every paid up member. Have a great summer everyone!
For the past ten years, Derek Smith has made significant contributions to the water quality program on Otty Lake. Working with our former Lake Steward Murray Hunt, Derek supported the testing program, helped interpret our water quality data, and did site visits around the lake to investigate algae or aquatic vegetation reported by residents. And for the past four years Derek has served as Lake Steward himself, bringing his considerable experience and expertise to managing all elements of our water testing and monitoring program, including answering residents' questions about our lake. We have all benefited significantly from his diligence and commitment to Otty Lake.
This is Derek's last year as Lake Steward on Otty Lake when he'll be handing the job over to Kevin Terrion who will work with a small group of volunteers to continue the water quality work.
Thank you Derek for the years of dedication to Otty Lake, and we hope to be able to continue benefiting from your expertise as a kowledgeable lake resident for years to come.
Invasive Phragmites WebinarThe OLA partnered with the FoTW to host this important webinar. Invasive phragmites have been sited on Jebb’s Creek and wetlands in our are; action needs to be taken to prevent further spread. The presentation inclluded how to distinguish between this aggressive species and a closely related native subspecies, mapping the phragmites and how to eradicate them.
In case you missed the presentation, here are a few resources:
Etransfer Your OLA Membership FeesThe OLA Board hopes you and your families are staying healthy during these unusual times.
In order to continue the work and education around the lake, we do rely on your membership dues. Please consider paying your $25 dues by e-transfer to financial@ottylakeassociation.ca The security question to input is "province we live in", and the answer is "Ontario". Please include some identifying details in the message, such as your address, or if you are a couple, both of your names. We have had a few submissions we have struggled to identify!
if you prefer, you can mail a cheque made out to the Otty Lake Association for $25 to Otty Lake Association, Box 20122, Perth, ON K7H 3M6.
Updated Lake Map Here
A new map of Otty Lake is being made available to residents and cottagers. This is essentially an update of the 18" x 24" map produced in 2010. More islands and bays have been named, shoals indicated, and the 30 m. reduced speed zone marked to encourage safe boating. Maps will be distributed free by area counsellors to paid up members. Additional copies will be available for $5.00 each.
Crown Island UseTwenty of the 31 islands in Otty Lake are considered "Crown land". They are owned by the provincial government and managed by Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The public is free to use them, but camping is not permitted on islands smaller than 200 feet across.
Lake Protection is Everyone's ResponsibilityThe “Lake Protection Workbook: A Self-Assessment Tool for Shoreline Property Owners” is designed for you to self-assess whether activities and uses on your property are protecting Otty Lake. Your property is important to the overall health of our lake - every action matters. For a printed copy of this workbook, contact christine.k@bell.net.
RVCA Watershed ConditionsThe RVCA issues periodic Watershed Conditions Statements. You can access these statements on the RVCA website or sign up to be mailed updates.
Radon TestingElevated radon levels have been found in homes in every region of the country. Long term exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The only way to know for sure is to test for radon.
About 90 interested residents attended the evening information presentation at the Perth Pool April 2019. Thanks to our guest speakers: Manual Husain, Health Canada Regional Radiation Specialist and Bob Wood, Radiation Mitigation Specialist with Mr. Radon, who also provided five free Radonova long term home radon test kits.
The local Health Unit makes makes test kits available to residents for $20. Check here as they are not available at all locations.
Ticks and Lyme Disease:This presentation by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit was given to the Lake Networking Group in mid April 2018.
Tips for high risk areas from the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation.
What what you need to know about tick removal, how to recognize the Lyme Disease rash, and how Lyme disease is diagnosed.
Black Bears around Otty LakeBears Bears are frequently seen in the Otty Lake watershed, and can peacefully coexist with residents. Educate yourself on their behaviour in case you encounter one. Bears are attracted to food of any kind, so be careful how you deal with garbage, fruit trees, barbeques and bird feeders. Generally, bears want to avoid humans. Most encounters are not aggressive and attacks are rare.
If people, pets or livestock are in immediate danger.
The Bear Wise reporting line (between April 1 and November 30). A bear passing by, in a tree, breaking into garbage, emptying bird feeders etc.
From Dec 1 to March 31, contact your local MNRF District office. The Kemptville office is (613) 258-8204.
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